What is a Balik Manggagawa (Returning OFW)?

Balik Manggagawa (BM) or returning OFWs are individuals who are currently on vacation in the Philippines but will eventually go back to work overseas. They return to complete, extend, or continue working for the same or a different employer and job site. However, those who are going abroad for the first time are not classified as Balik Manggagawa.

Even if Filipino workers have started working for a foreign employer through online platforms or a work-from-home arrangement, they are not considered Balik Manggagawa unless they have been deployed overseas and their employment documents have been processed by the Department of Manpower and Welfare (DMW). Workers in similar situations are instead referred to as new hires rather than Balik Manggagawa.

Requirements

The OEC exemption simplifies the process by reducing the required documents for returning OFWs. Exempted OFWs only need the following to obtain their OEC online:

• Valid email address to create an e-Registration account (for new users)
• DMW e-Registration account with complete profile details, including:
• – Beneficiary Data
• – Passport Data
• – Personal Information
• – Pagibig (MID) Data
• BM workers who are returning to the same employer but in a different job site or vice versa
• Workers without existing POEA/DMW records

  First-time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Balik-Manggagawa (BM) workers who are not exempt from the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) requirement must submit an application at a POEA/DMW office or POLO office in the Philippines. They also need to schedule an appointment with the host country office or region and pay the OEC processing fee to obtain their exit clearance.

  Each document should be submitted in two copies: an original and a duplicate or photocopy.

  Basic Document Requirements:

  1. Printed Online Appointment (POPS-BAM)
  2. Printed Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet
  3. Sworn Statement (for OFWs without a previous POEA record or applying for OEC for the first time)
  4. Passport (valid for at least six months from departure date)
  5. Verified Employment Contract
  6. Certificate of Employment, Company ID, latest payslip, or other documents as proof of employment
  7. Valid Work Visa, Work Permit, or equivalent document
  8. Confirmed Airline Ticket
  9. OEC fees
  10. OWWA membership payment receipt

  The list of requirements may change, so it is important to contact the POLO office or embassy before visiting their office.

  Qualifications

  The following are considered Balik Manggagawa:

  1. Returning documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
  2. Returning documented OFWs who changed job sites in a different country.
  3. Returning OFWs who changed employers on-site within the same country.
  4. Returning documented OFWs to the same company and job site, but with a different job position.
  5. Undocumented workers or returning workers without prior registration with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), including former tourists, au pairs, students, exchange program participants, etc.
     

     Benefits

     The following are the benefits of being a Balik Manggagawa (BM):

     If BM workers qualify for the exemption, they can skip queues and paperwork to obtain their OEC. BM workers eligible for OEC exemption don’t need to visit POEA/DMW or POLO offices for their exit clearance. BM workers can use the POPS-BAM portal to access their OEC online. BM workers who qualify for the OEC exemption are not required to pay the OEC processing fee.

     How to Register in Balik Manggagawa Online

     Here is a step-by-step guide to register a POPS-BAM account, the newly launched platform replacing the BM Online website:

     1. Visit the POEA Online Service Website using this link: https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx
     2. Click the “Let’s go” button on e-Registration.
     3. If you are a new user, click on “Register” (if you already have an account, simply log in). Accept the terms of use by clicking the “I accept the terms of use” button.
     4. Fill in the required information and click “register.” Make sure to provide all necessary details, including your height and weight.
     5. Check your email address, which you provided during registration, for a message containing your temporary password.
     6. Return to the link provided in Step 1 and log in using your registered email address. Click “next.”
     7. Use the temporary password sent to your email and click “log in.”
     8. Set your preferred password.
     9. Update your profile by clicking “My Profile.” After completing your profile, click “Update Profile” on the upper right side of the page.
     10. Enter your identification data (passport) and beneficiary information on your profile.
     11. On your dashboard, click “Balik-Manggagawa” and then click the “Next” button.
     12. Enter your return flight date and click the “Next” button.
     13. If you are a returning BM, you will be asked whether you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position.
     14. If you are returning to the same employer, job site, and position, you can print your OEC exemption immediately.

     Please note that this guide assumes you already have a DMW e-registration account and your old BM records have been transferred to the new POPS-BAM website.

     How to Get Balik Manggagawa OEC

     Follow these steps to quickly make an appointment and acquire your OEC:

     Step 1: Visit the POEA Online Service Website here – https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph//onlineservices/poeaonline.aspx

     Step 2: Click the “Let’s go” button on e-Registration

     Step 3: Log in with your email address and password

     Step 4: Select the nearest POLO/POEA office as the processing site then click the “Next” button

     Step 5: Choose and select your preferred appointment date

     Step 6: Take a screenshot and print your scheduled appointment date

     Step 7: Gather all of the necessary requirements.

     Step 8: Go to the POLO/POEA office on your scheduled appointment day. Show your approved appointment letter, valid ID, and full-dose vaccination card/certificate to the assigned security personnel.

     Step 9: The assigned security personnel will check your name on the list of approved appointments for the day. To avoid long lines, bring the complete set of requirements.

     Step 10: Get a token number from the assigned personnel.

     Step 11: Go to the processing window and submit your documents.

     Step 12: Pay for OEC fees.

     Step 13: Wait for the OEC processor’s advice before printing your OEC in POPS-BAM System

     Make sure that all the information and details in your OEC are correct and in line with your credentials.

     Step 14: Sign in to your POPS-BAM account and select “Print OEC” from the “My Transaction Tab” menu.

     How to Download Balik Manggagawa Registration Form Sheet

     The Balik Manggagawa Registration Form is available for download at http://philembassykl.org.my/main/images/pdf/Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet.pdf for OFWs who want to acquire their OEC.

     PHOTO

     

     

     It is one of the requirements for OFWs applying for their OEC at POEA / DMW or POLO offices. Before your appointment, you can fill out this form by downloading and completing it. Additionally, it is available at POEA / DMW or POLO offices.

      How to register in POEA Online Processing System for Balik Manggagawa o POPS-BAM to get OEC

     “OFWs on vacation should prioritize understanding the significance of OEC. ClintYeng, an OFW and YouTuber, recounts her experience with registering for POEA’s online processing system for Balik Manggagawa (POPS-BAM) to obtain OEC. The video procedure is similar to processing OEC at any POLO or POEA/DMW office.”

     

     Frequently Asked Questions

     If you have any further questions regarding “Balik Manggagawa” see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.

     1. How can I book an appointment for OEC Balik Manggagawa?

     To request an OEC appointment, log in to your POPS-BAM account, click on the Balik Manggagawa button, and choose the appointment location, date, and time. Enter your flight date and print the appointment details to bring with you on the scheduled date.

     2.   Who can get OEC BM exemption?

     The following requirements must all be met in order for a Balik-Manggagawas to be exempt from acquiring an OEC:

     • Valid work visa or permit
     • Returning to the same employer and workplace
     • Record in the POEA database (previously received an OEC at any POEA offices or facilities, including the POEA main office, extension units, regional offices, POLO offices abroad, and BM mall processing centers)
       

       3. Are OFWs allowed to travel without an OEC?

       “No, all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) departing from the Philippines, whether they are returning employees or new workers, must obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

       The OEC serves as an exit clearance, and without it, Immigration will prevent you from leaving the country. Furthermore, the OEC exempts you from paying the terminal fee and travel tax.”

       4. How long is an OEC or OEC Exemption Number valid?

       The OEC or OEC Exemption Number is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. It is required by the POEA for Balik-Manggagawa workers before they return to their employer. The OEC is valid for multiple uses within the 60-day period.

       5. Is my OEC valid for many uses?

       EC or OEC Exemption Number is only intended for one use. Once you have given it to Immigration, it cannot be used again.

       6. Why does the system want my most recent OEC number? What does it mean?

       Your most recent OEC number is the latest transaction record you have with POEA. This number is necessary for the system to retrieve your record and obtain your most recent employment information.

       7.  What happens if I forget my OEC number?

       You will be redirected by the system to the APPOINTMENT page, where you must manually visit POEA to process your OEC.

       8.   What should I do if I lose my OEC?

       Log in to your POPS-BAM account and reprint your OEC.

       9.   Where can I settle my OEC fee?

       • You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including:
       • Globe G-cash
       • Over-the-counter thru Banks
       • Over-the-counter thru Bayad Centers
       • Online Banking
       • POLO/POEA office

       Instructions on how to complete the payment process will be sent to you through email.

       Summary

       A Balik Manggawa refers to an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who returns to the same or a different employer’s job site. These individuals visit the Philippines for a vacation after being deployed abroad and are not considered first-time OFWs. They will eventually return to their job sites to either complete or extend their employment contracts.

       Furthermore, Balik Manggawa workers who meet the eligibility criteria can enjoy OEC exemption. This allows them to obtain their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) online and be exempt from paying the processing fee.